By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to am1575news, the bulletin of Francia24 and Radio Centrale Milano for Wednesday 14 October 2026 in podcasting, on the medium wave and on franciaoggi.com. In the editorial office in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
News from France
Radio Nice, Milan and Power 927 announce exclusive interview with Barbara Marchand
In the coming days the broadcasters Radio Nice, the Milan Centre on 1575 kHz and Power 927 (927 kHz Milan) will air an exclusive interview with Barbara Marchand, well‑known Radio Rai presenter and, in 1966, the second Italian voice on the 205‑metre wavelength of Radio Monte Carlo. The interview, lasting 45 minutes, will reveal several unpublished facts: among them, the story of how Noel Coutisson, who came from Paris to Monte Carlo to launch the Italo‑French programme, struggled to find an Italian host. He therefore decided to contact the Italian Consulate in Nice, headed today by Consul Lolli. A professor of Italian literature at the University of Nice was then identified, who became the first voice of the programme. She later gave the name of one of her students, our Barbara, as the second presenter. The account therefore highlights how the birth of the famous Italian programme, broadcast continuously since 1966, is also linked to the support of the Italian consulate. The interview will be broadcast shortly on all the aforementioned frequencies. Source: Radio Nice, 14 October 2026 Fact Check by Gemma4.
Marine Le Pen proposes cutting €11 billion from contributions to the European Union
Marine Le Pen, candidate of the Rassemblement national for the European elections, stated in a lengthy interview with the Financial Times that she wants to drastically reduce France’s contribution to the European Union budget. Her goal, if elected, is to eliminate €11 billion from the community budget from the first year, and then continue with further cuts of tens of billions in subsequent years.
The proposal, however, faces legal obstacles: according to European treaties, any reduction of national contributions must be approved by the other 26 member states, a consensus still far from guaranteed. Germany, in particular, already appears as one of the main counterweights to this initiative.
Le Pen emphasized that the reduction of payments represents a “show of strength” necessary to resize the EU’s influence on the French economy. “We know it will be a difficult debate, but we are convinced we can win,” the deputy said, adding that she has no intention of abandoning her convictions.
On Wednesday, the RN leader will travel to Brussels to warn against the possible adoption of a seven‑year multi‑annual budget before the next French elections, calling that possibility “deeply unacceptable” and a sign of the Commission’s failure to respect European democratic processes. Source: Financial Times, date not indicated
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Lille concedes grass to Arsenal in the second Champions League matchday
Lille, already beaten by Betis in the opening (2‑3), remains at zero points after two rounds of the group. On 13 October, the “Observers” held out for a little more than an hour before folding in front of Arsenal, the incumbent European vice‑champion, which netted three unanswered goals. Turkish defender Berke Özer repeatedly repelled attacks, even against Bruno Guimarães shortly before halftime (45+1), but Davide Ancelotti’s side gave in under the pressure of the Gunners.
The first goal came in the 64th minute thanks to Jurriën Timber, who placed a precise right‑footed shot into the far corner. Seven minutes later, Eberechi Eze doubled the lead, using the same lateral counter‑attack and cross into the box, before Bukayo Saka replied in the 71st minute. The early opening further compromised an already tested Lille defence.
In attack Lille could not impose itself, with only four shots attempted, none on target, versus Arsenal’s 15 attempts, eight on goal. The offensive trio Dilane Bakwa, Hakon Haraldsson and Ayase Ueda left no trace, while Olivier Giroud’s entrance in the 78th minute, greeted by applause in Emirates Stadium, amounted to little.
Captain Benjamin André, on Canal+, admitted that the team is “far from what it knows how to do” and that “there should have been more courage on the pitch”. To reach the knockout phase, Lille will need to turn the tide as soon as possible. The next match is at home against Galatasaray, scheduled for next Wednesday. Source: franceinfo, 13 October 2026 Fact Check by Gemma4.
Koan of the day
A monk asked the Master: “Why does Lille, with a defence that seems tenacious, concede on the grass against Arsenal as if the grass itself were a traitor?”
The Master replied: “The grass welcomes everyone’s steps, but when the giant Gunners’ wind blows, even the grass bends to the rhythm of a chant that the ball turns into an echo.”
The monk persisted: “If courage is lacking at Lille and the match is a chessboard, where is the move that can reverse the course toward glory?”
The Master concluded: “The true move is to play without fear of losing, because the only mistake is to believe an external result can beat the victory that is born inside the heart, while fans are waiting only for the ball in the net.”
But let’s get back to the news.
House prices fall: buyers get discounts of up to 5 %
Financing conditions tighten for those who want to buy a home and, consequently, sellers are forced to lower asking prices, with reductions close to 5 %. This year, buyers have to count every euro to close the mortgage, as borrowers’ purchasing power has decreased due to the rise in mortgage rates, which average around 4 % in France. In practice, for a €1 000 monthly payment over twenty years, borrowing capacity fell from €172 426 to €167 928 in a few months, with rates moving from 3.5 % to 3.8 %, a loss of 2.1 % of purchasing power, according to the Vousfinancer brokerage network.
The result is a drop in demand for real estate, while supply continues to grow and selling times lengthen. In this situation buyers find more room to negotiate. The Laforêt agency network reports that about nine out of ten buyers ask for a price reduction, compared with eight out of ten at the beginning of the year, while the average stands at six out of ten in a normal market and four out of ten in a rapidly expanding market.
The average negotiated price falls by 4.8 % compared with the initial value, a 0.3‑point increase over the previous year. This decline is recorded across all markets: in Paris the average negotiation is 3.2 % of the asking price, in Île‑de‑France 4.6 % and in the rest of the country 5.1 %. Large houses needing renovation see discounts above 10 %.
According to Laforêt, “the situation has slightly eased since June”, when the average negotiation exceeded 5 %. This is attributed to a “first alignment” of the market, with sellers forced to cut list prices to sell. In recent years, many owners who bought at high prices with low rates (between 2018 and 2022) have postponed selling, fearing they could not transfer their property at the same price.
Since the second quarter, selling prices have fallen by 0.8 % in France, with a sharper drop for houses. The average price per square metre declined by 1.5 % year‑on‑year, with Paris at €9 553/m² (‑1 %), Île‑de‑France at €3 879/m² (‑2 %) and the regions at €2 433/m² (‑1.8 %).
The property portal Bien Ici observes a “two‑speed” dynamic: in the third quarter apartment prices fall in urban areas while they rise again in peri‑urban zones, suggesting a shift of demand toward more affordable outskirts. Cities such as Cherbourg‑en‑Cotentin have seen a 14 % increase in the price of a three‑room apartment in a year, driven by new workers arriving from outside the region; other significant rises are recorded in Cambrai, Boulogne‑sur‑Mer, Saint‑Cloud and Vandoeuvre‑les‑Nancy. Conversely, prices drop sharply in Anglet (‑18 % for a three‑room unit at €395 000), Alès, Saint‑Chamond, Mulhouse and Vénissieux.
Despite the drop in values, interest rates continue to rise faster than price declines, adding further pressure on real‑estate transactions toward the end of the year. Source: franceinfo, 7 October 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international bulletin from FranceToday and Radio Centrale Milan for Wednesday 14 October 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on the Medium Wave at 1575 kHz.
Reporting from Paris is Rachel Costa.
Saudi Arabia involved in tensions with Houthi rebels: new energy challenges
Saudi forces have been hit by a series of attacks from the Yemeni Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, targeting key oil‑sector infrastructure of the Kingdom. The lack of strong United States air support has left Riyadh with few options to defend its facilities, increasing uncertainty about the security of global energy supply. Analysts warn that prolonged hostilities could push oil prices up and jeopardize the region’s energy‑diversification efforts.
The International Monetary Fund warns France of the need to reduce the deficit
The IMF has expressed concern about France’s high level of debt, emphasizing that the country needs a “structural overhaul” to bring the deficit below 5 % of GDP. During a meeting in Paris, fund representatives called on the French government to adopt timely measures to curb public spending, in order to restore confidence among international financial markets. The report suggests that fiscal adjustment must be accompanied by labour‑market reforms and targeted growth‑oriented investments.
Russia says it has continued to supply fuel to the European Union
Moscow claimed to have sold fuel to the European Union worth $320 billion since February 2022, asserting that deliveries have been regular despite international sanctions. The Russian government disputed accusations of breaching restrictions, stating that exports were made at market prices and without involving third‑party countries. The statement comes amid rising energy tensions between Russia and Western countries, which are seeking alternatives to reduce dependence on Russian gas and oil.
An OpenAI employee arrested for installing a recording device in the office
U.S. authorities raided OpenAI’s offices in San Francisco, arresting an engineer who had placed a hidden microphone inside a conference room. According to investigators, the device was used to intercept confidential conversations among senior executives, raising serious concerns about the security of sensitive information in the artificial‑intelligence field. The incident prompted the company to strengthen internal control protocols and reignited the debate on data protection within tech start‑ups.
Oil market rises as Saudi‑Houthi tensions intensify
Yesterday afternoon, Brent oil futures rose by more than a dollar per barrel, fueled by news of new Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure. Market participants expressed worry about possible interruptions to production and fuel distribution in the Gulf region, one of the world’s major crude sources. Preliminary analysts predict that price volatility could persist until a diplomatic solution to the hostilities emerges.
ASML beats profit expectations thanks to AI demand
Dutch photolithography equipment maker ASML posted quarterly results above forecasts, driven by a surge in orders linked to artificial‑intelligence technologies. Semiconductor firms are heavily investing in production capacity to meet the growing demand for high‑performance chips destined for data centres and AI applications. The company said it has secured production capacity through 2030, ensuring a steady revenue stream in the coming years.
New head of Microsoft Office fixed Copilot and won over Nadella
Aaron Holmes, recently appointed head of Microsoft Office, implemented a series of fixes to the AI‑assisted service Copilot, resolving the main accuracy issues reported by users. After presenting the results to CEO Satya Nadella, Holmes won full executive backing to accelerate the assistant’s integration into enterprise productivity products. The move bolstered investor confidence in Microsoft’s strategy to lead the adoption of generative AI in work environments.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Wednesday 14 October 2026
Paris – variable day but no rain
In the morning Paris will have reduced visibility and a very cloudy sky, but no risk of precipitation, according to expert Régis Crêpet.
In the afternoon the weather will gradually clear, offering some sunshine with light cloud cover, and temperatures will rise up to 21.
In the evening the sky will remain partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 16, while the wind stays calm with gusts not exceeding 15 km/h.
During the night a variable sky will prevail, with minimum temperatures around 11 and a moderate approach of local fog.
Overall daily temperatures will range between 11 and 21, with light wind and no rain forecast.
The UV index will stay low, around 1‑2, making the day comfortable for outdoor activities.
Monaco Monte Carlo – clear sky and mild temperatures
In the morning Monaco Monte Carlo will be characterized by a very cloudy but stable sky, with temperatures around 17 and calm north‑east wind.
Mid‑day the sun will peek through the clouds, raising temperatures up to 22 and keeping the wind light, with gusts up to 15 km/h.
The afternoon will continue with predominantly sunny conditions and temperatures near 19, with no rain expected.
In the evening the sky will stay clear with light clouds, temperatures will drop to 17 and the wind will remain weak from the south‑east.
During the night the weather will be stable, with a minimum temperature of 17, almost no wind and no precipitation forecast.
In summary, temperatures will be between 17 and 22, with light wind and dry conditions throughout the day.
Milan – sun dominates from morning to night
In the morning Milan will have a clear sky with a few veils, temperature starting at 14 and a light east wind of 3 km/h.
During the morning temperatures will rise gradually, reaching 17 around 10 am and the wind staying light, rarely above 5 km/h.
In the afternoon the sky will be largely clear, with temperatures around 20‑21 and the wind turning south‑east, still very gentle.
In the evening the sun will continue to shine, temperatures will begin to fall toward 19‑20 and the wind will become even lighter, coming from the south.
During the night the sky will stay clear, the minimum temperature will be 14, the wind almost absent and no precipitation expected.
According to expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo, temperatures will swing between 14 and 21, with weak winds and dry conditions all day.
Sign-off.
Online, on X and Mastodon, on all smart speakers and on medium wave, this is FranciaOggi with Centrale Milano 1575 kilohertz.